Problem Solving and Self-Efficacy Skills in Information Seeking Behavior: a Survey among Thesis Writing Postgraduate Students

To examine the information-seeking behavior of graduate students in compiling their dissertation.

328 students completed three questionnaires; namely, problem solving, self-efficacy and information seeking behavior questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and independent t-test using SPSS version 23.

A relationship was found between the subscales of self-assurance, avoidance, self-control and self-efficacy as independent variable with information seeking behavior. The results of multiple regression showed that the predictor variable of self-assurance, avoidance style and self-control explained the variance of information seeking behavior. The self-efficacy variable also explained the information seeking behavior. There was also a significant difference between male and female students. No significant difference was found between problem solving and academic degree.

Students with problem solving skills have higher degrees of self-efficacy and a better performance with regard to information seeking behavior. As such, the study sheds light on the process of information retrieval and gives more insight to future researchers.